Dried-out Christmas trees 'recipe for disaster'

Enjoy the Christmas tree, but don’t keep it up too long after Dec. 25.

That’s the warning that local fire chiefs and the National Fire Protection Association hope people heed this year.

“A dried-out Christmas tree can quickly ignite and engulf the space where it is displayed,” said Fire Department of Montgomery Township Chief Bill Wiegman.

Wiegman likened it to having "a bonfire in your living room."

"(It) is a recipe for disaster," he said.

According to the fire association, nearly 40 percent of house fires that began with Christmas trees occurred in January.

Lingohocken Fire Chief Greg Jakubowski said that the water in the tree stand should be checked daily.

"I would recommend taking it down the week following New Year's Day, but continue to keep it watered until it has been removed from the home," Jakubowski said.

Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be fatal, the National Fire Protection Association reported.

"On average, one of every 40 reported home structure Christmas tree fires resulted in a death compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home structure fires," according to the association.

Jakubowski said that homeowners must always be sure to extinguish candles. He said recently, a home suffered soot damage from a candle that was not "properly extinguished."

"Area fire companies have also seen a number of fires caused by improperly disposed of fireplace ashes," he said. "Ashes must be cooled, or soaked thoroughly, preferably disposed of in a metal can and away from the house."

To reduce the risk of holiday tree and light fires and to keep decorations in good condition for next year, the National Fire Protection Association offered the following tips:

As you’re putting away electrical light strings, take time to inspect each for damage. Throw out light sets if they have loose connections, broken sockets or cracked or bare wires. Do not place a damaged set of lights back into the storage box for next year’s use. Wrap each set of lights and put them in individual plastic bags, or wrap the lights around a piece of cardboard. Store electrical decorations in a dry place where they cannot be damaged by water or dampness. Also, keep them away from children and pets.

For more preventative steps to take and simple rules to follow in order to prevent home fires during the holidays and beyond, check out NFPA’s “Project Holiday” at www.nfpa.org/holiday.